Texas' community colleges say state funding won't meet growth - Diane Smith, Star-Telegram

Though Texas community colleges are emerging from the 82nd Legislature with funding levels similar to those of 2010-11, some say the money won't be enough to meet growth. Community college funding for the upcoming two-year budget cycle appears to be about $1.7 billion for instructional funds versus the $1.9 billion that the colleges received in the last budget cycle, according to the Texas Association of Community Colleges. The cut in classroom-related dollars also comes on top of community colleges losing state contributions to employee health insurance and retirement benefits. Reductions in the state's financial aid for low-income students will also affect community colleges, a college official said.